Salam my question is as far as Economics go would Trade Unions be allowed to exist in an Islamic Sta

[truthseeker63]

Salam my question is as far as Economics go would Trade Unions be allowed to exist in an Islamic State ? Do Workers have any rights in Islam ? Should Workers get fair wages ?

Muslims joining trade unions

Can Muslims join Trade unions? Please explain your answer in relation to sacred law rulings regarding employment rights of the employer and employee.

We do not see any harm in joining trade unions provided that they do not deal with any prohibited act like legislating laws that contradict Islamic Law or endorsing forbidden actions/transactions/dealings like usury, interest, and the like. So if these trade unions deal with any of the mentioned prohibitions or other prohibited acts, then it is not permissible to join them, as in such a case, one is helping them in sin and transgression. Allaah says (which means): {…but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment.}[5:2]. However, if these trade unions are free from any prohibited act and its duties are to specify the responsibilities of the workers, demand their rights, assure their qualifications, degrees, and the like, then there is no harm in joining these unions, as this is helping in praised and permissible actions. Allaah says (which means): {Help you one another in virtue, righteousness and piety.}[5:2].

http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=89472

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam alaikum,

Excellent and though provoking question.

In the letter of the law it is written in the Quran that we must always always be fair in trade. Just measure. When a price has been agreed upon for fair wages that is it. Remember your word is your bond. Thus in spirit we do not need trade unions. If we follow sharia there is no need to protect the worker from unfair labor practices.

Did the Prophet of Allah, swas, not admonish people for overloading the animals of burden? Thus common sense tells us that workers have rights in Islam more so than in anything else.

We live in times where the worker is not treated fairly. Thus we have had unions. Now, in the US the unions were broken. We have the practice of unfair business. Just look at Walmart. They will do everything to keep the unions out including firing employees who speak about fair wages. We have sweat shops that are slightly above slavery.

And lastly we have hypocrites who treat others will disrespect knowing that it is against the command of Allah subhana wa taala.